Review Kill Your Darlings The Adelaide Review

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Table of Contents

1. What is killing your darlings?
2. Why is killing your darlings important?
3. How do you know which darlings to kill?
4. What are the consequences of not killing your darlings?
5. What are some tips for killing your darlings effectively?

What is killing your darlings?

Killing your darlings is a phrase commonly used in the writing world that means to let go of your favorite parts of your writing, even if it hurts. It could be a particular sentence, a character, a chapter, or even an entire storyline. The idea is that these parts of your writing may be hindering the overall quality of your work, and you need to be willing to cut them out to improve your writing. The phrase was first coined by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, a British writer and literary critic, who said, "Whenever you feel an impulse to perpetrate a piece of exceptionally fine writing, obey it—whole-heartedly—and delete it before sending your manuscript to press. Murder your darlings."

Why is killing your darlings important?

Killing your darlings is essential for improving your writing. It's easy to get attached to certain parts of your work, especially if they're particularly well-written or if you've spent a lot of time crafting them. However, these parts might not be serving the story as a whole, and they could be holding you back from creating the best possible work. When you're too attached to certain elements of your writing, it can be challenging to see the bigger picture. By killing your darlings, you're forced to take a step back and objectively evaluate your work. This can lead to new ideas and perspectives that you may not have considered before.

How do you know which darlings to kill?

It can be challenging to determine which parts of your work are worth keeping and which ones should be cut. Here are some tips for identifying your darlings: 1. Get feedback from others: Sometimes, it can be tough to see the flaws in your own writing. Getting feedback from other writers or editors can help you identify areas that need improvement. 2. Evaluate the overall structure: Consider how each element of your writing fits into the overall structure of the story. Ask yourself if each part is moving the plot forward or adding to the character development. If it's not, it might be time to cut it. 3. Be ruthless: It's essential to be honest with yourself and willing to make tough decisions. If you're too attached to a particular part of your writing, consider setting it aside and coming back to it later with fresh eyes.

What are the consequences of not killing your darlings?

Not killing your darlings can lead to several negative consequences. First, it can result in a bloated, unfocused story. If you're too attached to certain elements of your writing, you might be tempted to include them even if they don't serve the overall story. Second, it can lead to a lack of growth as a writer. By refusing to let go of certain parts of your work, you're limiting yourself creatively. It's essential to be willing to take risks and try new things to improve your writing. Finally, not killing your darlings can lead to rejection from publishers or literary agents. Agents and publishers are looking for polished, well-written manuscripts. If your work is unfocused or bloated, it's unlikely to be accepted for publication.

What are some tips for killing your darlings effectively?

Killing your darlings can be a difficult process, but these tips can help make it easier: 1. Save everything: Just because you're cutting something doesn't mean it's gone forever. Save your deleted work in a separate file, so you can revisit it later if necessary. 2. Take a break: If you're struggling to let go of something, take a break and come back to it later with fresh eyes. You might find that it's easier to cut after some time away. 3. Keep the big picture in mind: Remember that cutting something might hurt in the short term, but it's ultimately for the good of the story. Keep the big picture in mind and focus on improving the overall quality of your work. 4. Get a second opinion: If you're struggling to decide whether to cut something, get a second opinion from someone you trust. They might be able to provide a fresh perspective that you haven't considered.

Conclusion

Killing your darlings is an essential part of the writing process. It can be challenging to let go of certain parts of your work, but it's necessary to improve the overall quality of your writing. By evaluating your work objectively, being honest with yourself, and keeping the big picture in mind, you can effectively kill your darlings and create a masterpiece.